Latest News

Free concert benefiting the North Long Beach Education Fund is back for the third year at Beach Streets Uptown

Long Beach Vice Mayor Rex Richardson is excited to announce that legendary reggae artist, Barrington Levy, is the surprise headliner at Village Fest at Beach Streets Uptown on Saturday, October 28th, at Houghton Park. This is the third year that Vice Mayor Richardson has hosted Village Fest, a free concert benefiting the North Long Beach Education Fund.

Over the past two years, Village Fest has been a key ingredient to the success of open street events like Beach Streets and Activate Uptown, helping to draw attendees and build civic engagement. Thousands have been on hand to enjoy amazing musicians, such as Talib Kweli, MURS, and the Pharcyde.

“Village Fest is a unique and fun special event, celebrating art, diversity and youth engagement," said Vice Mayor Richardson. "Whether you're a local Uptown resident, or visiting us for Beach Streets, we hope you join us at Houghton Park for a great community experience."

This year will recreate that feel and success of the last two years, featuring fan favorite the Pharcyde returning for the third year, new headliner Barrington Levy, and vendors, like the widely popular “Beat Swap Meet.”

“It’s always a beautiful thing when we can bring our energy to the beautiful city of Long Beach and become one with the people,” said Imani of Pharcyde.

Vice Mayor Rex Richardson's Weekly Letter

Dear Friends,

What an exciting week we've had in District 9!

This was a week of milestones for our community, and we want to share with you all of the great news that has taken place.

Farmers Market at Houghton Park - Opening TBA We are proud to announce that the Parks and Recreation Commission approved a farmers market for Houghton Park this week! We want to thank our partners at the Harbor Area Farmers Market for working with us these past few months to develop this new market. We will keep the community posted when the Grand Opening will be! For more information, click here.

Starbucks Ribbon Cutting and Community Coffee

On Monday, October 16th, we had a Ribbon Cutting and Community Coffee Hour at the new North Long Beach Starbucks in District 9. We are tremendously grateful for our partners that assisted us throughout the whole development process, as well as the Starbucks District and Store Manager. We are looking forward to running into our neighbors there, and enjoying a cup of coffee together! Find more information about the Ribbon Cutting, click here.

Houghton Park Community Center - Phase 1

We were proud to unveil the new Houghton Park Community Center Design on Wednesday, October 18th. While the center has done its job well, it is time for a more efficient design that better serves the needs of today's community. We can't wait to break ground in January 2018! Find more information about the new Houghton Park Community Center, check out this great article by the Press Telegram here.

Orange Avenue Protected Bike LanesWe are excited to announce that the Orange Avenue Bike Lane Project is complete! All striping, bollards, and buoys have been installed, and the lanes are ready to be used. Check them out!